Parish in East Hampshire, Hampshire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.152, -0.966 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SU 72 39 |
| Population: | 16,584 |
| Dialling code: | 01420 |
Alton is a historic market town and civil parish in East Hampshire, Hampshire, set among the rolling chalk of the Hampshire Downs. Its compact town centre has a mix of Georgian and older buildings, a long-standing market tradition and a lively high street of independent shops and cafes; the surrounding countryside and nearby villages such as Chawton and Selborne give it a strong literary and natural heritage that attracts visitors.
The town has traditional links to watercress cultivation and is the southern terminus of the heritage Watercress Line to Alresford, while modern rail services provide commuter access into London. Local life combines tourism, retail and light industry, and the area carries reminders of its past, including a skirmish during the English Civil War, giving Alton a character that blends rural charm with practical connections.
GU34 1RA, GU34 1LD, GU34 2TF, GU34 1QA, GU34 2QD, GU34 1XN, GU34 1DQ, GU34 2RF, GU34 2LZ … See all